Updated April 2026
Reviewed by Edward Krys DC MS MPH
Dr. Krys is a licensed chiropractic physician with clinical experience treating spinal disorders including sciatica, lumbar disc injuries, and chronic lower back pain. His recommendations focus on proper spinal alignment, pressure relief and sleep posture to support spinal health.
Many people who suffer from back pain prefer sleeping on their side. While side sleeping can reduce pressure on the spine, the wrong mattress can cause the hips and shoulders to sink too deeply, leading to poor spinal alignment and increased discomfort.
As a chiropractor, I frequently see patients whose back pain worsens because their mattress does not properly support their spine during sleep. Side sleepers need a mattress that provides enough cushioning for the shoulders and hips while still maintaining proper support for the lumbar spine.
If your pain is related to nerve compression, you may also want to review the best mattresses for sciatica.
The best mattresses for side sleepers with back pain balance pressure relief and spinal support. For those needing additional support, the best bed for side sleeper back support should keep the spine aligned while relieving pressure on the hips and shoulders. Side sleepers dealing with nerve pain may benefit from mattresses designed to reduce pressure on sensitive areas and improve overall comfort during sleep. In this guide, I will review several mattresses that provide excellent comfort for side sleepers while helping maintain healthy spinal alignment.
⭐ Why Side Sleepers Get Back Pain
Side sleepers can develop back pain when the mattress does not properly support spinal alignment. If the hips sink too deeply or the shoulders are not cushioned enough, it can place strain on the lower back. Choosing the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain helps keep the spine neutral and reduces pressure points.
Top Picks for Side Sleepers (Pressure Relief & Spinal Support)
If you’re a side sleeper dealing with back pain, choosing the right mattress can make a huge difference. The best options provide pressure relief for your shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment.
A bed for side sleepers with proper back support helps maintain spinal alignment and reduces strain during sleep.
⭐ Quick Picks (Best Mattresses for Back Pain)
Best Overall – Helix Midnight Luxe
Best Budget – Nectar Memory Foam
Excellent contouring for side sleepers needing pressure relief
Best Support – Saatva Classic
⭐ Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Overall
Designed for side sleepers, providing excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips while maintaining spinal alignment
⭐ Budget Memory Foam – Best Pressure Relief
Deep contouring foam reduces pressure on joints and helps relieve back pain.
⭐Saatva Classic – Best for Support
Offers multiple firmness options with a strong lumbar support
⭐DreamCloud Premier – Best Hybrid Option
Balanced comfort and support for combination sleepers.
Is a Firm Mattress Bad for Side Sleepers?
A mattress that is too firm can create pressure points for side sleepers, especially around the shoulders and hips. This can lead to discomfort and worsen back pain over time. A medium is usually a better option.
The best mattress for side sleepers with low back pain should balance support and pressure relief
Many people also search for the best mattress for shoulder and hip pain when sleeping on their side.
Helix Midnight Luxe-Best Overall for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe is widely considered one of the best mattresses for side sleepers with back pain because it combines excellent pressure relief with targeted spinal support.
Its hybrid construction includes individually wrapped coils and multiple layers of contouring foam that adapt to the body’s shape. This design allows the shoulders and hips to sink slightly into the mattress while still maintaining proper spinal alignment.
The mattress also features zoned lumbar support, which helps keep the spine aligned during sleep.
Why it works well for side sleepers with back pain
• Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips
• Zoned lumbar support improves spinal alignment
• Hybrid construction helps prevent sagging
• Good motion isolation for couples
Firmness: Medium
Best for: Side sleepers who experience lower back pain.
DreamCloud-Best For Shoulder and Hip Pressure Relief
This memory foam mattress is an excellent choice for side sleepers who need deep pressure relief. Memory foam contours closely to the body, which helps reduce pressure points around the shoulders and hips.
This contouring support allows side sleepers to maintain better spinal alignment while minimizing strain on the lower back.
Why it works well for side sleepers
• Deep contouring pressure relief
• Good spinal support for side sleepers
• Excellent motion isolation
• Long sleep trial period
Firmness: Medium-firm
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer memory foam comfort.
For a full breakdown, see our DreamCloud mattress review.
Winkbeds – Best Firm Option for Side Sleepers
The WinkBeds Luxury Firm mattress offers a great balance of cushioning and support for side sleepers who suffer from back pain.
Its hybrid design combines pocketed coils with comfort foam layers, providing both pressure relief and strong spinal support.
Why it works well
• Reinforced lumbar support
• Balanced cushioning and support
• Durable hybrid construction
• Excellent edge support
⭐ What to Look for in a Mattress for Side Sleeping
✔Pressure relief for shoulders and hips
✔Medium to medium-soft firmness
✔Support for proper spinal alignment
✔Contouring materials like memory foam or hybrid designs
How Side Sleepers Can Reduce Back Pain During Sleep
Side sleepers can reduce back pain by maintaining proper spinal alignment during sleep. Placing a pillow between the knees can help keep the hips aligned and reduce twisting in the lower back. A supportive mattress that cushions the shoulders while supporting the waist and lumbar spine can also help reduce pressure points and improve overall comfort.
Side sleepers dealing with nerve pain often benefit from mattresses that reduce pressure points and support proper alignment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mattress for side sleeping with back pain is essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure on sensitive areas like the shoulders and hips.
Memory foam and hybrid mattresses tend to provide the best balance of support and comfort. As a chiropractor, I recommend prioritizing pressure relief and alignment to help reduce pain and improve sleep quality over time.
If your side sleeping discomfort is related to a herniated disc, you may want to read my full guide on the best mattresses for herniated discs
Related Sleep Issues
✔ Best mattress for Herniated Disc
About the Author
Edward Krys DC MS MPH is a licensed chiropractor focused on spinal health, posture and sleep-related conditions. He helps patients choose products that reduce pain and improve sleep quality.